Method and apparatus for conducting a ring-in game

ABSTRACT

A wireless communications device for use in a sweepstakes network is capable of being invited to participate in a ring-in game, via a communication system. The wireless communications device includes a memory capable of storing an electronic personal identification number associated with the ring-in game, an electronic personal identification module associated with the memory capable of maintaining the electronic personal identification number in the memory of the wireless communications device and a main processor associated with the memory capable of communicating with the communication system, wherein the main processor receives an invitation to participate in a ring-in game.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/478,429, filed on 29 Jun. 2006 and titled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FORCONDUCTING A RING-IN GAME,” which is hereby incorporated by reference,and which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/437,217, filed on 19 May 2006 and titled “METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING A RING-IN GAME,” which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

This application contains technical disclosure in common with U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/320,232, filed on 27 Dec. 2005 and titled“METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING A SWEEPSTAKES.”

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for conducting aring-in game. In particular, the present invention relates to a methodand apparatus for conducting a ring-in game in which a user purchasesvaluable goods and services unrelated to a ring-in game, and as apromotional bonus, the user is provided with an optional entry into afirst ring-in game and a corresponding number of optional entries intoother ring-in games.

2. Description of Related Art

Sweepstakes, raffles, and lotteries have been around for centuries.People enjoy the experience of entering a sweepstakes and hoping to winthe “grand” prize. In most sweepstakes, the participant purchases aticket, or entry, for a nominal amount of money in exchange for a chanceto win prizes that are valued significantly higher than the cost of theticket. Most often, the odds of the participant of winning the bestprizes are very high. However, to entice new participants to play, tokeep participants interested in playing the sweepstakes, or to enticethe participants to play the sweepstakes again, prizes having nominalvalues close to or below the cost of the entry are often awarded. Theparticipant's odds of winning these nominally valued prizes aretypically close to 1:1.

Although the sweepstakes industry is heavy regulated, it remains verylarge and lucrative. Indeed, with the advent in recent years of prepaidvouchers, such as prepaid gasoline cards, prepaid credit cards, andprepaid phone cards, new games of chance and methods of conductingsweepstakes have been developed. For example, one of these new games ofchance involves the purchase of a $1.00 “emergency” prepaid phone cardthat provides about one minute of telephone airtime and an entry in agame of chance. In this example, a person inserts currency into a gameterminal and, in return, receives a corresponding number of $1.00“emergency” prepaid phone cards.

The prepaid phone cards used in these games are typically multi-layeredor folded pieces of paper or cardboard that are preprinted and stored ona roll inside the game terminal. The prepaid phone cards used in thesegames are “read-only” devices that can only be read by card readers inthe game terminal. Once these prepaid phone cards are printed, the datacannot be changed and no more data can be added. Certain indicia isprinted on each $1.00 prepaid phone card, including a personalidentification number (PIN) that is required to use the prepaid phonecards from any telephone, bar codes, and other graphical indicia thatinstruct the game terminal on what images to display and what prizes, ifany, have been won. Thus, the “winning” and “losing” prepaid phone cardsare predetermined.

One problem with these games is that each game terminal is a separatestand-alone machine. Because the prepaid phone cards are preprinted,there is no need or capability to interconnect or network the gameterminals together. This greatly reduces the number, type, and style ofgames that can be played. In other words, the participants cannot choosebetween different games, cannot compete against each other on differentgame terminals, and cannot play the game over computer networks, such asthe Internet. In addition, the game terminals cannot be monitored andmaintained from a remote location over a computer network.

Another problem with these types of games of chance is that mostparticipants purchase the prepaid phone card for the sole purpose ofentering the game of chance, not to use the prepaid phone cards to buytelephone airtime. When the participant purchases the prepaid phonecards, he participates in the game of chance, whether he wants to ornot. Because people only purchase these “emergency” prepaid phone cardsto participate in the game, the regulatory authorities in manyjurisdictions have determined that these games are illegal lotteries.The reasoning is that, because the prepaid phone card has a nominalvalue, the participants are giving consideration merely to play a gameof chance, not to buy and use the prepaid phone cards to make telephonecalls. This is evidenced by the fact that these $1.00 prepaid phonecards are often found unused in trash receptacles outside ofestablishments that sell such prepaid phone cards and offer such gamesof chance.

Although there have been great strides made in the area of conductingsweepstakes, many shortcomings remain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is a need for a game in which a user receives one or more freegame entries that can be used to participate in one or more ring-in typegames.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for conducting a ring-in game in which a user isprovided with optional entries into a first ring-in game and acorresponding number of optional entries into other ring-in games.

This object is achieved by providing a wireless communications devicecapable of being invited to participate in a ring-in game via acommunication system. The wireless communications device comprises amemory capable of storing an electronic personal identification numberassociated with the ring-in game, an electronic personal identificationmodule associated with the memory capable of maintaining the electronicpersonal identification number in the memory of the wirelesscommunications device, and a main processor associated with the memorycapable of communicating with the communication system, wherein the mainprocessor receives an invitation to participate in a ring-in game.

It is an another object of the present invention to provide a networkfor conducting a ring-in game comprising a wireless communicationsdevice capable of being invited to participate in the ring-in game viathe network, a memory capable of storing an electronic personalidentification number associated with the ring-in game, an electronicpersonal identification module associated with the memory capable ofmaintaining the electronic personal identification number in the memoryof the wireless communications device and a main processor associatedwith the memory capable of communicating with the communication system,wherein the main processor receives an invitation to participate in aring-in game.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a methodfor conducting a ring-in game including providing an electronic personalidentification number to at least one wireless communications devicecapable of being invited to participate in the ring-in game via acommunication system, providing readable and writeable digital storagemeans for storing digital data related to the ring-in game, providing aplurality of wireless networks capable of data communication with the atleast one wireless communications device, and providing at least oneentry into the ring-in game.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method forconducting a ring-in game includes playing the ring-in game on the atleast one wireless communications device, in response to an invitationto join the ring-in game via one of the plurality of wireless networks,and displaying the results of the ring-in game on a display of the atleast one wireless communications device.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention willbecome readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination ofthe subsequent detailed description and accompanying drawings.Accordingly additional advantages and features of the present inventionand the scope thereof are pointed out with particularity in the claimsand form a part hereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, as well asa preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof,will best be understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of an exemplary ring-in sweepstakesnetwork, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of the wireless communicationsdevice of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an exemplary ring-insweepstakes game, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made to the following detailed description of theexemplary embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that the present invention provides many inventiveconcepts and novel features, that are merely illustrative, and are notto be construed as restrictive. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsdiscussed herein are given by way of example and do not limit the scopeof the present invention.

The present invention involves a method and apparatus for conducting aring-in sweepstakes game in which a user purchases valuable goods andservices unrelated to the ring-in sweepstakes game and in return, as apromotional bonus, the user is provided an entry into a ring-insweepstakes game and may also be provided a corresponding number ofentries into various other promotional sweepstakes.

Referring now to FIG. 1 in the drawings, a preferred embodiment of aring-in sweepstakes network 100 according to the present invention isillustrated. Ring-in sweepstakes network 100 comprises a communicationssystem 110, an access system 150, an Internet 160, and a wirelesscommunications device 200. Communication system 110 comprises a wirelessnetwork 120; including a database server 122 networked to a web server124 via a communication link 123 and an antenna array 130. In addition,communication system 110 is networked via communication link 151 toaccess system 150, and networked to Internet 160 via communication link161.

Wireless communications device 200 is capable of accessing communicationsystem 110 via radio frequency (RF) communication link 201 and/or viaInternet 160 through communication link 161, as described in more detailbelow. RF communication link 201 provides the operable connectionbetween communication system 110 and wireless communications device 200.As described below in more detail, wireless communications device 200may be any wireless communication device, including, but not limited to,conventional cellular telephones, paging devices, personal digitalassistant devices, text-message transmission devices, portablecomputers, or any other like device capable of wireless communication.

It should be understood that the present invention is not limited toonly mobile wireless communication devices. Other types of communicationdevices may be used, including fixed (i.e., stationary) communicationdevices or terminals. For the sake of simplicity, only a mobile wirelesscommunications device is shown and discussed hereafter. However, for thepurposes of defining the scope of the claims of the present invention,the term “wireless communications device” and any other term used todenote a device that communicates with communication system 110, shouldbe construed broadly to include both mobile and stationary communicationdevices. In addition, for simplicity and clarity, only a singlecommunication system and a single wireless communications device isshown and described in ring-in sweepstakes network 100, as is unique tothe present invention or necessary for an understanding of the presentinvention. However, one or more communication systems may be comprisemultiple wireless networks, each of which communicates with a pluralityof wireless communication devices.

In one embodiment of the present invention, selected data isperiodically transferred back and forth between one or morecommunication systems via communication link 161, Internet 160, or anyother communication link operable to transfer data between the one ormore communication systems. For example, the one or more communicationsystems may provide for periodic polling to ensure that the one or morewireless networks always has enough bandwidth to communicate with theplurality of wireless communication devices and has enough computingcapacity to continuously conduct and control the ring-in sweepstakesgames.

Wireless connectivity between wireless communications device 200 andInternet 160 is provided by communications system 110 through, forexample, antenna array 130 of wireless network 120. Those skilled in theart will recognize that the complete structure and operation of wirelessnetwork 120 and other components within communications system 110 arenot shown or described. The present invention may be employed inconjunction with known wireless communication networks and othercomponents, and only so much of those components as is unique to thepresent invention or necessary for an understanding of the presentinvention are shown and described.

Access system 150 comprises one or more access systems, such as, forexample, phone access system 170, wireless access system 180, andInternet access system 190. The scope of the present invention, however,encompasses other additional or alternative access systems within accesssystem 150. In addition, access system 150 is networked viacommunication link 151 to communication system 110 and networked to theInternet 160 via communication link 163. In the illustrated embodimentof the present invention, Internet access system 190 comprises databaseserver 192, database 194, and management terminal 196. In addition,database server 192 is networked via communication link 193 to database194 which is networked via communication link 195 to management terminal196. Additionally, phone access system 170 and wireless access system180 each may comprise a database server, a database, and a managementterminal, similar to those shown and described in relation to Internetaccess system 190.

In addition or as an alternative, one or more communication systems 110may be networked together, and may be networked to one or more accesssystems 150, by communication link 151 or communication links 161 and163 via Internet 160. Communication links 123, 151, 161, 163, 193 and195 may comprise modems, telephone lines, the Internet, satellites,wireless connections, or any combination thereof for sending andreceiving digital data and signals. Communication links 123, 151, 161,163, 193 and 195 provide a fast, efficient, reliable, and secure meansfor transferring radio frequency (RF) and digital data between andthrough communication system 110, access system 150 and Internet 160.

It will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments the functions andoperations of communication system 110, access system 150, and Internet160 may be combined in different configurations into one or morenetworks and/or one or more servers located either at communicationsystem 110 or remote from communication system 110.

Referring now to FIG. 2 in the drawings, an exemplary wirelesscommunications device 200, according to the present invention isillustrated in greater detail. Wireless communications device 200comprises an antenna 205, a transmit/receive (TX/RX) circuitry 210, aspeaker/microphone 215, a main processor 220, a display/keypad 225, anda memory 230. Memory 230 comprises a basic operating system (OS) program232 and an electronic personal identification (ePID) module 234. TheePID module 234 comprises an ePID program 235, which is a subroutinethat provides a digital storage means for electronically tracking andstoring electronic personal identification in ePID module 234.

TX/RX circuitry 210 receives from antenna 205 an incoming signaltransmitted by for example, antenna array 130 of communication system110 or by a wireless network provider via Internet 160. TX/RX circuitry210 processes and sends the incoming signal to the speaker (i.e., voicedata) or to main processor 220 for further processing (e.g., webbrowsing, interactive video game data). Likewise TX/RX circuitry 210receives analog or digital voice data from the microphone or otheroutgoing data (e.g., web data, e-mail, interactive video game data) frommain processor 230. TX/RX circuitry 210 transmits a radio frequency (RF)signal that is transmitted via antenna 205.

In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, main processor220 is a microprocessor or microcontroller. Memory 230 is coupled tomain processor 220. According to an advantageous embodiment of thepresent invention, part of memory 230 comprises a random access memory(RAM) and another part of memory 230 comprises a Flash memory, whichacts as a read-only memory (ROM).

Main processor 220 executes basic operating system (OS) program 232stored in memory 230 in order to control the overall operation ofwireless communications device 200. For example, main processor 220controls the reception of signals and the transmission of signals byTX/RX circuitry 210, in accordance with well-known principles. Mainprocessor 220 is capable of executing other processes and programsresident in memory 220; including ePID module 234 and ePID program 235.Main processor 230 may move data into or out of memory 230, as requiredby an executing process. Main processor 220 is also coupled todisplay/keypad 225. The user of wireless communications device 200 usesthe keypad to enter data into wireless communications device 200. Thedisplay may be a liquid crystal display capable of rendering text and/orat least various graphics from communication system 110 and/or Internet160. Alternate embodiments may use other types of displays.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, ePID module 234 isprimarily responsible for establishing and maintaining an electronicpersonal identification number (ePIN) in memory 230. Before ePID module234 can be used to participate in a ring-in sweepstakes game, ePIDmodule 234 must be activated. Activation of ePID module 234 is performedby establishing communication with communication system 110 and writingan electronic personal identification number (ePIN) into memory 230. Asdiscussed above, ring-in sweepstakes network 100 may comprise one ormore communication systems operable to communicate with a plurality ofwireless communication devices. Accordingly, it is not necessary thatePID module 234 be used with the same communication system 110 at whichePID module 234 was activated. Should the user choose to participate ina ring-in sweepstakes game, ePID module 234 of wireless communicationsdevice 200 may be used at any time, any location, or with anycommunication system 110, provided the ePIN associated with ePID module234 has not expired (for instances in which the ePIN associated withePID module 234 includes an expiration date).

It is understood that wireless communications device 200 is given by wayof example and that for simplicity and clarity, only so much of theconstruction and operation of wireless communications device 200 as isunique to the present invention or necessary for an understanding of thepresent invention is shown and described. Moreover, although wirelesscommunications device 200 is shown as having an ePID module 234 inmemory 230, in an alternate embodiment wireless communications device200 comprises the ability to transfer the ePIN into the random accessmemory associated with memory 230. In another alternate embodiment, thering-in sweepstakes game is capable of being loaded into the randomaccess memory associated with memory 230 and is further capable of beingdisplayed on the display of wireless communications device.

In addition, wireless network 120 manages the electronic personalidentification numbers (ePIN's) associated with the ring-in sweepstakesgame, manages the ring-in sweepstakes game entries, maintains andprovides accounting information for communication system 110, containsthe ring-in sweepstakes play information, and transmits the ring-insweepstakes game entries to wireless communications device 200 fordisplay to the user.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, web server 124 ofwireless network 120 allows the user of wireless communications device200 to by-pass playing a ring-in sweepstakes game and instantly validateany predetermined winnings on ePID module 234. The user of wirelesscommunications device 200 simply communicates with wireless network 120and selects to validate any predetermined wining points on ePID module234, wireless communication device 200 displays the number of winingpoints on the display and writes updated digital data to ePID module234.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, web server 124of wireless network 120 allows the user of wireless communicationsdevice 200 to purchase additional access time. The user of wirelesscommunications device 200 simply communicates with wireless network 120and selects the amount of access time to be added to ePID module 234, itis not necessary that all access time on ePID module 234 be used upbefore more access time is added, or another words, before ePID module234 is recharged. With each recharge of additional access time, ePIDmodule 234 is updated with a corresponding entry into a ring-insweepstakes game and may also be provided a corresponding number ofentries into various other promotional sweepstakes.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a network provider,such as for example a wireless network provider of communication system110, may provide its members, users of wireless communications device200, with ePIN's and/or recharge ePID module 234 with a predeterminednumber of entries into a ring-in sweepstakes game, at a predeterminedtime. For example, at the execution of a contract for network services,upon receipt of payment for monthly services, or at any otherpredetermined times, a network provider may provide its members with anePIN and/or recharge ePID module 234 with a predetermined number ofentries into a ring-in sweepstakes game. In addition, or as analternative, a wireless network provider, of wireless communicationsdevice 200, may allow its members to redeem ePIN's and/or recharge ePIDmodule 234 in exchange for rollover minutes or redeem for any other typeof promotional offer made by the wireless network provider. In addition,a wireless network provider, of wireless communications device 200, mayprovide its members with ePIN's and/or recharge ePID module 234 as areward for access time purchased at either fixed time increments orexcess time above the contractually agreed amount of time for networkservices.

Accordingly, ePID module 234 of wireless communications device 200 maybe used for: (1) prepaid access time including phone time, Internetaccess time, wireless network access time and any other like accesstime; (2) purchasing of products and merchandise from the networkprovider or through Internet 160; (3) generating free sweepstakesentries into the ring-in sweepstakes game; (4) awarding promotionalring-in sweepstakes game points; and (5) redeeming winning points fromthe network provider or through Internet 160.

FIG. 3 is a high-level flow diagram 300, illustrating the operation ofan exemplary ring-in sweepstakes game according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. Participation in the ring-in sweepstakes game beginswith an initiation step 302, in which the user registers for the ring-insweepstakes game. The user of wireless communications device 200 maypurchase valuable goods and services unrelated to the ring-insweepstakes game and in return, as a promotional bonus, the user may beprovided an entry into a ring-in sweepstakes game and may also beprovided a corresponding number of entries into various otherpromotional sweepstakes. In addition or as an alternative, the user ofwireless communications device 200 may be a member of wireless network120 and the valuable goods and services unrelated to the ring-insweepstakes game may be the payment for monthly network services,rollover minutes, or access time purchased at either fixed timeincrements or excess time above the contractually agreed amount of timefor network services.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a user of wirelesscommunications device 200 may be provided an entry into a ring-insweepstakes game including an ePIN and/or a corresponding number ofentries into various other promotional sweepstakes on a purelypromotional basis. For example, a fast food chain restaurant may providea promotional sweepstakes to its customers or potential customers aspart of a marketing program. Although, a fast food chain restaurant hasbeen described as an example, the present invention contemplates anysuitable type of store or entity capable of providing a promotionalring-in sweepstakes game.

At step 302, the user registers for the ring-in sweepstakes game via awebsite, for example, “www.ring-in.com”, in which the user also includesa valid wireless communications device phone number or other validcommunication device access number. In addition or as an alternative,the user may register for the ring-in sweepstakes game via a website andinclude an email address, a text message address, a “land-line” phonenumber, or any other address or phone number as contact information forthe ring-in sweepstakes game. The website for registering for thering-in sweepstakes game may be maintained in web server 124 of wirelessnetwork 120, or any other website hosting service, according toparticular needs.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the user mayregister for the ring-in sweepstakes game at a participating promotionalsweepstakes store. In this manner, the user may enter a storeparticipating in a promotional sweepstakes and register for the ring-insweepstakes game via a computing device located in the store or via theuser's wireless communications device in the store. In addition or as analternative, the user may call a sweepstakes number or visit a websiteto register for the ring-in sweepstakes game either at the storeparticipating in the promotional sweepstakes or outside at some otherlocation.

Then, at step 304, wireless network 120 acknowledges the userregistration for the ring-in sweepstakes game in process step 302 or, ifthe user is already registered for the ring-in sweepstakes game,wireless network 120 sends an acknowledgment message, such as forexample, a text message, to the user through the Internet viacommunications link 161. Although a text message is described asperforming the acknowledgement of the user registration for the ring-insweepstakes game, the present invention contemplates any suitablemessage or combination of messages sent to the user as anacknowledgement message. For example, the acknowledgement of the userregistration for the ring-in sweepstakes game may be made via a shortmessage service (SMS), a multimedia messaging service (MMS), email,voice message, or the like.

Next, at step 306, web server 124 of wireless network 120, initiates aring-in sweepstakes game with wireless communications device 200, suchas for example Texas Hold-em poker sweepstakes game, or any other typeof sweepstakes game. Web server 124 rings wireless communications device200 to invite the user to participate in the ring-in sweepstakes game.The ring-in may cause wireless communications device to ring and providea pre-recorded voice message, provide a text message, initiate ePIDmodule 234 to display an invitation message on the display, or any othertype of action taken by wireless communications device 200 to invite theuser of wireless communications device 200 to join the ring-insweepstakes game. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,the user of wireless communications device 200 may be given apredetermined time period in which to respond to the invitation to jointhe ring-in sweepstakes game. In addition or as an alternative, thering-in may provide the user with information about the type of ring-insweepstakes game, the duration of the sweepstakes game, and the odds ofwinning the ring-in sweepstakes game.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the user ofwireless communications device 200 may be provided with an option toparticipate in the ring-in sweepstakes game via another communicationdevice other than wireless communications device 200. As an example andnot by way of limitation, the user of wireless communications device 200may participate in the ring-in sweepstakes game via a desktop computer,a laptop computer, or any other type of access terminal operable to playthe ring-in sweepstakes game. Accordingly, if the user of wirelesscommunications device 200 chooses to utilize another access terminal toplay the ring-in sweepstakes game, then the ring-in may provide apassword or code to the user of wireless communications device 200,including a predetermined time period in which to respond to theinvitation to join the ring-in sweepstakes game, via the other accessterminal. For example, the user of wireless communications device 200may utilize a desktop computer to access a website via the Internet orother network system, associated with the ring-in sweepstakes game,including logging into the ring-in sweepstakes game using the givenpassword or code.

Next, at step 308, the user of wireless communications device 200responds to the invitation to join the ring-in sweepstakes game, in anappropriate time frame and enters the ring-in sweepstakes game. Then instep 310, ePID module 234 is used by wireless communications device 200and ePID program 235 to display the status of the quantity ofpromotional sweepstakes points. During step 310, selected images aredisplayed at selected portions of the display of wireless communicationsdevice 200 at selected times. As set forth above, the number of minutesof access time currently available on ePID module 234 may be displayedon a first portion of the display, the number or amount of promotionalsweepstakes entries available on ePID module 234 may be displayed on asecond portion of the display, the number or amount of credits or “wins”currently available on ePID module 234 may be displayed on a thirdportion of the display, and the status of the current ring-insweepstakes game in progress may be displayed on a fourth portion of thevideo display.

Although a ring-in sweepstakes game has been shown and described with asingle user of wireless communications device 200, the present inventioncontemplates any suitable type or number of users. For example, webserver 124 of wireless network 120, may initiate a ring-in sweepstakesgame with multiple wireless communications devices. The ring-insweepstakes game may be initiated with a series of qualification roundsinviting multiple users to join in the ring-in sweepstakes game. Inaddition or as an alternative, web server 124 of wireless network 120may invite the winners of the qualification rounds to join multipleplayoff rounds and even a championship round. In this manner, web server124 of wireless network 120 may initiate multiple ring-in sweepstakesgames involving multiple users.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the ring-insweepstakes game may be initiated by wireless communications device 200.In this manner, wireless network device 200 initiates the ring-insweepstakes game and may invite web server 124 of wireless network 120to play (i.e. the user of wireless communications device 200 playsagainst the computer), or any wireless communications device registeredfor the ring-in sweepstakes game (i.e. the user of wirelesscommunications device 200 plays against other users on a peer to peernetwork).

Although an example sweepstakes game has been described as a TexasHold-em poker sweepstakes game, the present invention contemplates anysuitable type or style of ring-in sweepstakes game. For example, webserver 124 of wireless network 120, may initiate a trivia game, anelectronic card game, an electronic board game, a bingo game, apromotional game, or any other like game.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an entity mayprovide a promotional sweepstakes to its customers or potentialcustomers. In such an embodiment, the entity may work in conjunctionwith communication system 110 to initiate a ring-in sweepstakes gamewith multiple wireless communications devices. An example ring-insweepstakes game may be for example, a Texas Hold-em poker sweepstakesgame comprising a series of qualification rounds wherein multiple usersare invited to play against wireless network 120. Accordingly, thewinners of the qualification rounds are invited to join multiple playoffrounds and even a championship round. The user who wins the championshipround may be provided the opportunity to play in a “world Texas Hold-empoker” game, as an entrant at least sponsored in part by the entity. Inan alternative of the present invention, the ring-in sweepstakes gamemay be a trivia game, wherein web server 124 of wireless network 120,may initiate a ring-in sweepstakes trivia game to extract marketing dataof users and store the extracted data in database server 122.

In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, web server 124of wireless network 120, may initiate a ring-in sweepstakes game basedon a time based calculation or the geographical location of wirelesscommunications device 200. For example, if wireless communicationsdevice 200 is located in a particular time zone, communication system110 may initiate a ring-in game just before an eating time (i.e.breakfast time, lunch time, dinner time, happy hour time, or the like).In this manner, instead of winning points, the user of wirelesscommunications device 200 may be provided with an electronic coupon.Such as for example, a discounted or free hamburger, buy one get onefree dinner, or the like. In another example, if wireless communicationsdevice is located near a participating promotional entity, communicationsystem 110 may initiate a ring-in game and the winning points may beredeemable for a discount or free item at the specific participatingpromotional entity location.

The process continues with step 312, in which the user joins the ring-insweepstakes game. This is done by selecting one of the designatedgraphical images on the display of wireless communications device 200,depicting the desired ring-in sweepstakes game, or by depressing one ormore keys associated with keypad 225. Initiation of the game causes mainprocessor 220 and ePID program 235 of ePID module 234 of wirelesscommunications device 200 to send signals and/or data over RFcommunication link 201 to web server 124 of wireless network 120. Also,after initiating the game, either main processor 220 or ePID program 235of ePID module 234 in communication with web server 124 of wirelessnetwork 120 will cause the display of wireless communications device 200to initiate a simulation of the ring-in sweepstakes game being played.For example, if a Texas Hold-em poker sweepstakes game had beeninitiated; graphical images or movies may be displayed to simulate thepoker game being played at preprogrammed intervals. Likewise, if atrivia sweepstakes game had been initiated; graphical images or moviesmay be displayed to simulate the trivia game, including the ability torespond to the trivia questions.

Then, in calculation step 314, web server 124 of wireless network 120calculates and determines how many, if any, prizes are to be awarded forthe play associated with the ring-in sweepstakes game.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, ePID module 234 isnot preprogrammed at the time of sale of valuable goods and servicesunrelated to the ring-in sweepstakes game and/or the registration of thering-in sweepstakes game with any winning or losing combination of data.The user must choose to participate in the ring-in sweepstakes game andsubmit an entry via a website in order to play the ring-in sweepstakesgame and win any prizes. Accordingly, the calculations anddeterminations of prizes are conducted by web server 124 of wirelessnetwork 120 and is a ring-in sweepstakes game in response to entriesmade by users from wireless communications devices. In an alternateembodiment of the present invention, ePID module 234 is preprogrammed atthe time of sale of valuable goods and services unrelated to the ring-insweepstakes game and/or the registration of the ring-in sweepstakes gamewith a predetermined winning and losing combination of data. Thus, theuser may choose to participate in the ring-in sweepstakes game or theuser may merely choose to communicate with wireless network 120 tovalidate any wining prizes. Accordingly, the calculations anddeterminations of prizes are predetermined and preprogrammed on ePIDmodule 234 at the time of activation.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, after web server124 of wireless network 120 calculates and determines whether a prizehas been won, the process continues, in which web server 124 of wirelessnetwork 120 transmits selected digital signals and data to theappropriate wireless communications device 200 via RF communication link201. Once the data has been received by wireless communications device200, main processor 220 and ePID program 235 of ePID module 234 maycause corresponding audio and video messages, such as “You're aWinner!”, “You're Advanced to the Next Round!”, or “You've Won aHamburger!” to be displayed on the display of wireless communicationsdevice 200. In addition, main processor 220 and ePID program 235 of ePIDmodule 234 may activate graphics and the speaker to enhance theexperience of playing the ring-in sweepstakes game.

Although an example action has been described to activate graphics andthe speaker of wireless communications device 200, the present inventioncontemplates any suitable type of action taken by wirelesscommunications device 200 to alert the user that a prize has been won.For example, main processor 220 and ePID program 235 of ePID module 234may cause an electronic coupon to be displayed on wireless communicationdevice 200. The user of wireless communication device 200 may print outthe electronic coupon and redeem it at a participating entity, utilizethe electronic coupon directly at a participating entity, or theelectronic coupon may be emailed to the user via communication system110 and Internet 160.

After each ring-in sweepstakes game session, the process continues withan inquiry step 316, in which a determination is made as to whether theuser may advance to a next round and/or if the user wishes to continueto play the ring-in sweepstakes game. If the user decides to continue toplay the the ring-in sweepstakes game, the process continues back tostep 306, in which the user awaits web server 124 of wireless network120 to initiate the next round or another ring-in sweepstakes game. Onthe other hand, if the user decides not to continue playing the ring-insweepstakes game, or if the user did not advance to the next round, theprocess ends with step 318.

Finally, as represented by step 318, when the user decides to end thering-in sweepstakes game, the user may depress a portion of the displaythat is displaying a graphical image depicting end ring-in sweepstakesgame or the user may use the keypad of wireless communications device200, thereby sending corresponding signals and data to ePID module 234identifying that the user no longer wishes to participate in the ring-insweepstakes game. This causes ePID program 235 on wirelesscommunications device 200 to write the final status to ePID module 234.Accordingly, ePID module 234 may then be used to access time for exampleto place telephone calls or access Internet 160 via communication system110.

It is understood that other operations can be implemented within thescope of the invention. It is also understood that the sequence of theoperation shown can be varied without departing from the scope orprinciples of the present invention.

It is apparent that an invention with significant advantages has beendescribed and illustrated. Although the present invention is shown in alimited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but isamenable to various changes and modifications without departing from thespirit thereof.

1. A method comprising: initiating contact from a server to a wirelesscommunications device, the wireless communications device beingassociated with a user, the contact being initiated according topreviously-received contact information associated with the user, thecontact being initiated in order to establish a communication sessionbetween the server and the wireless communications device, whereincommunication between the server and the wireless communications devicetakes place via at least one wireless network, wherein the wirelesscommunications device includes readable and writeable digital storagemeans for storing digital data, the digital data including datarepresentative of an electronic personal identification number; duringthe communication session, transmitting an invitation message to thewireless communications device from the server via the at least onewireless network, the invitation message including an invitation to playa predetermined game; receiving initiation information at the serverfrom the wireless communications device, the initiation informationincluding data representative of an initiation of the predetermined gameon the wireless communications device, wherein the initiation of thepredetermined game is made in response to the invitation message fromthe server to the wireless communications device; determining, by theserver, a game result indicative of whether the user has won a prize;and transmitting, a results message to the wireless communicationsdevice from the server, the results message including datarepresentative of the game result determined by the server.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the wireless communications device includes acellular telephone, wherein the initiating contact includes the serverplacing a call to the wireless communications device, and wherein thetransmitting of the invitation message includes transmitting theinvitation message as a pre-recorded voice message to the wirelesscommunications device.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the wirelesscommunications device includes a cellular telephone, and wherein thetransmitting of the invitation message includes transmitting theinvitation message as a text message to the wireless communicationsdevice.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining ageographical location of the wireless communications device anddetermining whether to perform the initiating of the contact from theserver to the wireless communications device and the transmitting of theinvitation message to the wireless communications device based at leastin part on the determined geographical location of the wirelesscommunications device.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the determiningof the geographical location of the wireless communications deviceincludes determining whether the wireless communications device islocated near a participating promotional entity, and wherein the prizeis associated with the participating promotional entity.
 6. The methodof claim 1, further comprising receiving recharge request information atthe server from the wireless communications device, the recharge requestinformation including data representative of a request by the user foraccess time.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising, in responseto the receiving of the recharge request information at the server,transmitting entry information from the server to the wirelesscommunications device, the entry information including datarepresentative of a number of game entries being added in associationwith the electronic personal identification number.
 8. A systemcomprising: a computer system comprising one or more servers having oneor more electronic processors and computer memories, the computer systembeing configured for: initiating contact from the computer system to awireless communications device associated with a user according topreviously-received contact information associated with the user inorder to establish a communication session between the computer systemand the wireless communications device, wherein communication betweenthe computer system and the wireless communications device takes placevia at least one wireless network, wherein the wireless communicationsdevice includes readable and writeable digital storage means for storingdigital data, the digital data including data representative of anelectronic personal identification number; during the communicationsession, transmitting an invitation message to the wirelesscommunications device from the computer system via the at least onewireless network, the invitation message including an invitation to playa predetermined game; receiving initiation information at the computersystem from the wireless communications device, the initiationinformation including data representative of an initiation of thepredetermined game on the wireless communications device, wherein theinitiation of the predetermined game is made in response to theinvitation message from the computer system to the wirelesscommunications device; determining, by the computer system, a gameresult indicative of whether the user has won a prize; and transmitting,a results message to the wireless communications device from thecomputer system, the results message including data representative ofthe game result determined by the computer system.
 9. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the wireless communications device includes a cellulartelephone, wherein the initiating contact includes the server placing acall to the wireless communications device, and wherein the transmittingof the invitation message includes transmitting the invitation messageas a pre-recorded voice message to the wireless communications device.10. The system of claim 8, wherein the wireless communications deviceincludes a cellular telephone, and wherein the transmitting of theinvitation message includes transmitting the invitation message as atext message to the wireless communications device.
 11. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the computer system is further configured fordetermining a geographical location of the wireless communicationsdevice and determining whether to initiate contact from the server tothe wireless communications device and transmit the invitation messageto the wireless communications device based at least in part on thedetermined geographical location of the wireless communications device.12. The system of claim 11, wherein the determining of the geographicallocation of the wireless communications device includes determiningwhether the wireless communications device is located near aparticipating promotional entity, and wherein the prize is associatedwith the participating promotional entity.
 13. The system of claim 8,wherein the computer system is further configured for receiving rechargerequest information from the wireless communications device, therecharge request information including data representative of a requestby the user for access time.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein thecomputer system is further configured for transmitting entry informationto the wireless communications device in response to the receiving ofthe recharge request information, the entry information including datarepresentative of a number of game entries being added in associationwith the electronic personal identification number.